Maria Imran, a widow in Bagh, Pakistan, faced unimaginable challenges after her husband passed away in 2023. She was left alone to care for her four children — three sons and a daughter — with no steady income and no family support. Every day was a struggle to provide food, clothing, and shelter, and the burden of responsibility weighed heavily on her shoulders.
Determined to survive, Maria began raising a small number of goats, which became her only source of income. They allowed her to buy essentials for her children and cover school fees, giving her a sense of hope and purpose despite the overwhelming hardship. But when she lost the goats due to illness and misfortune, Maria’s fragile security vanished. Without any source of income, providing even basic necessities became nearly impossible. She worried constantly about how to feed her children, pay for their education, and keep her family safe.
“After my husband passed away, I felt completely alone,” Maria recalled. “I tried everything to provide for my children, but when I lost the goats, I lost my hope too. I was constantly worried about how we would survive.”
With support from Muslim Aid Australia (MAA), Maria received two goats to restart her small livestock business. This assistance was carefully tailored to her skills and experience, empowering her to rebuild a sustainable source of income rather than relying on temporary aid. The goats not only provided financial stability but also restored her sense of confidence and independence.
With the new livestock, Maria can now sell offspring to cover household expenses and ensure her children stay in school. The goats symbolize more than income — they represent hope, resilience, and a pathway to a secure future for her family.
“This support has given me a new beginning,” Maria said. “These goats are not just animals for me. They are a hope for my children’s future. I am truly thankful to Muslim Aid Australia for standing by me when I needed it most.”
The impact of this intervention extends beyond finances. Maria regained dignity and self-reliance, feeling empowered to care for her family and plan for their future. The children now have stability in their daily lives, knowing they can eat, attend school, and rely on their mother’s support.
This livelihood programme demonstrates the capacity of zakat, delivered through Muslim Aid Australia, to create long-term, meaningful change. It demonstrates how sustainable support—matched to a family’s skills and needs—can transform lives, restore confidence, and break the cycle of dependency.
Through continued support, families in Bagh are not only surviving but also building a foundation for a better future. Thanks to Muslim Aid Australia, in partnership with the New Zealand Zakat Foundation, widowed mothers like Maria can regain independence, care for their children with dignity, and move forward with hope and stability.